“We are happy to be recognized for the progress our program has made,” N.C. State coach Dave Doeren said. “That said, our focus will stay the same: Improving each and every day and focusing only on the game ahead.”

The mantra of moving on to the next assignment was the centerpiece of last week’s preparation for Syracuse as the Wolfpack was coming off an upset at Florida State. N.C. State passed that test and looks to apply a similar approach for the Louisville game.

“They’re just next on the list,” defensive tackle Justin Jones said.

Yet it’s probably more than that. There should be no shortage of motivation for the Wolfpack, which lost 54-13 last year at Louisville.

“Just moving on to the next one,” defensive tackle B.J. Hill said. “It was a tough one last year. I feel we’re a better team this year.”